When it comes to regulation, the UK education sector isn’t standing still-especially on the sustainability front. New expectations are emerging fast, and schools, colleges, and universities will need to keep up if they want to stay compliant-and relevant.

One of the big shifts on the horizon is linked to the UK’s net-zero commitments. While there’s no law (yet) forcing every education institution to publish a net-zero plan, it’s clear that’s the direction of travel. Already, institutions are being asked to measure their carbon footprints, especially if they receive government funding or are part of a larger trust(1).

Then there’s the growing influence of climate-focused procurement rules. Public sector procurement is increasingly tied to environmental goals, and education institutions that rely on government contracts-whether for building work, catering, or services-are expected to show they’re thinking green. That could mean favouring low-emission suppliers, using recycled materials, or cutting waste in your supply chain(2).

Plastic use is also under scrutiny. The Plastic Packaging Tax, introduced in 2022, currently applies to manufacturers and importers, but its scope could widen. Schools using lots of single-use plastic-through catering, for example-may find themselves facing restrictions or reporting requirements in the future(3).

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is another one to watch. While this mostly affects businesses, if a school or university is selling merchandise or operating a shop (say, uniforms or branded gear), it could become responsible for the environmental impact of that packaging too(3).

And don’t forget curriculum expectations. While not a regulation in the strictest sense, there’s a growing push for sustainability education to be embedded in every subject. Ofsted is paying attention, and schools will be expected to show how they’re equipping students to understand and respond to climate change(4).

None of this is about ticking boxes. It’s about preparing the education sector for a greener, more resilient future-and giving the next generation the tools to lead it. The earlier institutions start adapting, the easier the transition will be.

Bibliography

1Sustainability leadership and climate action plans in education (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sustainability-leadership-and-climate-action-plans-in-education

2 The Procurement Act 2023: A short guide for suppliers (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-short-guides/the-procurement-act-2023-a-short-guide-for-suppliers-html

3 Plastic Packaging Tax: steps to take (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-need-to-register-for-plastic-packaging-tax

3 Extended producer responsibility for packaging: who is affected and what to do (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-who-is-affected-and-what-to-do

4 Sustainability and climate change strategy (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainability-and-climate-change-strategy